He allowed his nephew to have a view of
the craft Larson was building. The former lieutenant greeted Dick
coldly, but our hero thought little of that. He was more interested
in the machine.
Dick found that his uncle really did have a large, and apparently
very serviceable biplane. Of course it was not like Dick's, as it
designed to carry but three passengers.
"We're going to make the trip in about forty-eight hours, so we
won't need much space," said Uncle Ezra. "We can eat a snack as we
go along. And we can sleep in our seats. I've got to cut down the
expense somehow. It's costing me a terrible pile of money!"
Uncle Ezra's airship worked fairly well in the preliminary trials,
and though it did not develop much speed, Dick thought perhaps the
crafty lieutenant was holding back on this so as to deceive his
competitors.
"But, barring accidents, we ought to win," said the young
millionaire to his chums. "And accidents no one can count against."
Everything was in readiness. The Abaris had been given her last
trial flight. All the supplies and stores were aboard. Jack Butt
had taken his departure, for he was not to make the trip. His place
would be taken by the army lieutenant. A special kennel had been
constructed for Grit, who seemed to take kindly to the big airship.
"Well, the officer will be here in the morning," announced Dick,
one evening, on receipt of a telegram from Washington. "Then we'll
make the start.
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